Rosemary

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Description

(Rosmarinus officinalis)

SPECIAL QUALITIES

Rosemary is a classic garden plant that is grown for its winter flowers, attractive foliage and uses in the kitchen. It is tolerant of hot, dry conditions and can survive on low water levels.

FLOWERS

The flowers are usually a pale to mid blue although there are several cultivars of white, pink and deep blue. Flowering is normally in late winter to mid spring.

POSITION & USES

Grows in full sun and is suited to a cottage garden but also useful to add colour to shrubby areas Will grow well in poor and rocky ground.

CULTIVATION

Rosemary will grow in any position with full sun and good drainage but will tolerate some shade in a dry location. Due to the variations in habit they can be used in a multitude of positions from tall defining hedge to a cascading groundcover – as single plants or en-masse.

FERTILISING

Applications of Seasol and PowerFeed when watering will keep it looking its best.

WATER RATING

Red can = Little water in hot, dry weather.

Green can = Deep watering every few weeks in hot, dry weather.

Blue can = Deep watering weekly in hot, dry weather.

Codes are a guide only and watering requirements will be affected by soil type, competition, mulching, wind and many other factors. Try to group plants with the same code in the one bed.

CAUTION: May be harmful if eaten.

Herb Attributes

Plants Needed per Square Metre

2-4

Habit

Normally a bushy perennial plant with spreading habit but some cultivars have upright stems and others can be very prostrate and will hug the ground.